Over the last 15 years, Architect Karen Smuland has made a name for herself in Bend designing custom homes, remodels and additions. We traced her story back to the beginning in Warren, Ohio–an hour east of Cleveland in the steel belt. Karen grew up in the suburbs and recalls the excitement of seeing natural materials, adventurous lines and generous use of natural light in the homes near where her family would vacation along the Great Lakes. With an aptitude in both math and a

There are scores of articles online about how to start your own business but learning the practical steps is the easy part. The greatest challenge is in the way we think, feel and therefore approach the process (or don’t). Our fear of the unknown, finances, failure and even success are the greatest roadblocks to achieving business owner status. I started my own businesses because I wanted the freedom to make more money and follow my own schedule. I started them because there

First published in the May 21st Issue of Cascade Business News With the rise of photography driven social platforms, accessibility of entry level equipment and technical advances in phone cameras, this once semi-exclusive art form has become a regular part of our everyday life. Builders, architects and designers now appeal to an audience who’s aesthetic tastes have been galvanized by a steady feed of arresting images online. Good is arguably not good enough. Potential homebuy

You are ready to hire a creative partner–an advertising or marketing agency, branding firm or photographer. It's a significant investment and your company's reputation depends on a solid partnership. Here are 8 tips on how to enter into an agreement with confidence, know what questions to ask and provide your creative team effective direction that will help yield the best results. 1. View and understand the portfolio. There are a few questions to ask that will help form an ac